Mr Lamont, from Coleraine, died in hospital on Tuesday from the serious head injuries sustained in a fight in the early hours of September 26.

Ballymena Magistrates’ Court heard that one witness to the fracas alleges that Dalzell “jumped up and down” on Mr Lamont’s head.

A police detective sergeant told the court Mr Lamont was one of three hooded men who allegedly forced their way into Dalzell’s girlfriend house in Coleraine while the couple were engaging in sexual relations inside.

The two other men have subsequently been charged with aggravated burglary in relation to the incident.

Ballymena Courthouse. INBT02-213AC

The episode unfolded hours after Dalzell, from Whinpark Road in Newtownards, had been involved in an altercation in a Coleraine pub.

The police officer, who said he could connect the accused to the charge, said during the episode inside the Forge Bar that Dalzell took off his shirt, started doing press ups and throwing fake punches.

The officer said when Dalzell and his partner walked back to her home, he was reportedly agitated and punched a shop shutter.

The three men who later entered the house on Ballycastle Road fled the scene, but Mr Lamont returned soon afterwards and a fight ensued.

The officer told the court Dalzell, who voluntarily handed himself in to police the following day, had not denied involvement in the incident.